Folded optics camera and actuator assembly

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments include a camera with a folded optics arrangement and include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly to provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) movement. The camera with folded optics and the associated VCM actuator assembly have a first rotational normal mode of free vibration such that lenses of the camera rotate about an optical axis of the camera such that the rotational motion in the first rotational mode of free vibration is invisible from a perspective of an image sensor of the camera.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/729,381, entitled “Folded Optics Camera andActuator Assembly”, filed Sep. 10, 2018, and which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to a folded optics arrangement cameraand actuator assembly.

Description of the Related Art

The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones andtablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, smallform factor cameras for integration into such devices. Some small formfactor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS)mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbanceforces by adjusting a location of one or more optical lenses in one ormore directions in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of thelenses. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF)mechanism whereby an object focal distance can be adjusted to focus anobject plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured byan image sensor of the camera. In some such autofocus mechanisms, theoptical lens or lenses are moved as a single rigid body along theoptical axis of the camera to refocus the camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified view of a folded optics arrangementcamera, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates movements of a lens carrier of a folded opticsarrangement camera in an autofocus direction and multiple optical imagestabilization directions, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a folded optics arrangementcamera that includes a voice coil motor actuators and a horizontalsuspension wire arrangement, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled folded opticsarrangement camera that includes voice coil motor actuators and ahorizontal suspension wire arrangement, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away view of a folded optics arrangement cameramounted in a mobile device casing, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an assembled folded optics arrangementcamera that includes voice coil motor actuators and a horizontalsuspension wire arrangement, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a zoomed-in perspective view illustrating horizontalsuspension wires of a folded optics arrangement camera, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 6C is a top view of a folded optics arrangement camera thatincludes voice coil motor actuators and a horizontal suspension wirearrangement, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of lens carrier of a folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a zoomed-in perspective view of suspension springs associatedwith the lens carrier illustrated in FIG. 7A, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a lens carrier of a foldedoptics arrangement camera, wherein the lens carrier translates along anoptical axis relative to a carrier frame of the folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8B-8C illustrate elongation of suspension springs that allowmotion of a lens carrier along an optical axis of a folded opticsarrangement camera, but prevent vertical motion of the lens carrier indirections orthogonal to the optical axis of the folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8D-8E illustrate elongation of suspension springs that allowmotion of a lens carrier along an optical axis of a folded opticsarrangement camera, but prevent side-to-side motion of the lens carrierin directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a side view of a static structure of a foldedoptics arrangement camera and motion of a carrier frame of the foldedoptics arrangement camera relative to the static structure, according tosome embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate at top view of an end of a carrier frame of afolded optics arrangement camera, wherein the carrier frame movesrelative to a static structure of the folded optics arrangement camera,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a first rotational normal mode of free vibration ofa folded optics arrangement camera that includes a horizontal suspensionwire arrangement, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate perspective views of a folded opticsarrangement camera that includes voice coil motor (VCM) actuatorsshowing locations of coils and magnets of the VCM actuators, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view showing relative locations ofmagnets, coils, and sensors included in voice coil motor (VCM) actuatorsof a folded optics arrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example portable multifunctiondevice that may include a folded optics arrangement camera and voicecoil motor actuators with a horizontal suspension wire arrangement,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts an example portable multifunction device that mayinclude a folded optics arrangement camera and voice coil motoractuators with a horizontal suspension wire arrangement, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example computer system that may include a foldedoptics arrangement camera and voice coil motor actuators with ahorizontal suspension wire arrangement, according to some embodiments.

This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “inan embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims,this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider aclaim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units. . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from includingadditional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphicscircuitry, etc.).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may bedescribed or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In suchcontexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicatingthat the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry)that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, theunit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the taskeven when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currentlyoperational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used withthe “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits,memory storing program instructions executable to implement theoperation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configuredto” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/circuit/component.Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g.,generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware(e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) tooperate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue.“Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g.,a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g.,integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one ormore tasks.

“First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labelsfor nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering(e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuitmay be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and“second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily implythat the first value must be written before the second value.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not forecloseadditional factors that may affect a determination. That is, adetermination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least inpart, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.”While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A,such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also beingbased on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed asecond contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a firstcontact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contactand the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the samecontact.

The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willalso be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” dependingon the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [astated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upondetermining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [thestated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the statedcondition or event],” depending on the context.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments include camera equipment outfitted with controls,magnets, voice coil motors, and suspension elements to improveeffectiveness and stability of a miniature actuation mechanism for acompact camera module. More specifically, in some embodiments, a compactfolded optics camera includes suspension elements and actuators todeliver functions such as autofocus (AF) and/or optical imagestabilization (OIS). One approach to delivering a very compact actuatorfor AF and/or OIS is to use one or more voice coil motor (VCM)actuators. In some embodiments, one or more VCM actuators controlmovement of a lens carrier within a carrier frame of a folded opticsarrangement camera to perform AF adjustments. Also, in some embodiments,one or more VCM actuators control movement of a carrier frame of afolded optics arrangement camera (and lens carrier mounted within thecarrier frame) to perform OIS adjustments. In some embodiments,suspension wires that mechanically connect a carrier frame to a staticstructure of a folded optics camera are mounted horizontally in thefolded optics camera and run along a length of the carrier frame in asame direction as an optical axis of the folded optics camera. In someembodiments, suspension springs that mechanically connect a lens carrierto a carrier frame in which the lens carrier is mounted allow formovement of the lens carrier in a same direction as an optical axis ofthe folded optics camera, but prevent motion of the lens carrierrelative to the carrier frame in directions orthogonal to the opticalaxis.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified view of a folded optics arrangementcamera and shows how light is bent within the folded optics arrangementcamera, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, any of the embodiments described in regard to FIGS.2-16 may include one or multiple features, components, and/orfunctionality as described herein with regard to folded opticsarrangement camera 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 . For example, any of thefolded optics arrangement cameras described in regard to FIGS. 2-16 maybend light in a similar manner as described for folded opticsarrangement camera 100. Also, any of the embodiments described in regardto FIGS. 2-16 may include a lens carrier that is actuated in anautofocus (AF-X) direction and optical image stabilization (OIS-Y,OIS-Z) directions as described below for folded optics arrangementcamera 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and lens carrier 104 illustrated inFIG. 2 .

In some embodiments, folded optics arrangement camera 100 may include agroup of one or more lenses 102 mounted in a lens carrier 104, a firstprism 106, a second prism 108, and an image sensor 110. In someembodiments, the lens carrier 104 may be located between the first prism106 and the second prism 108, forming a folded optics arrangement 112.Light may enter folded optics arrangement camera 100 via an aperture 116and follow an optical path 114 that is folded by the first prism 106such that the light is directed towards the one or more lenses 102 ofthe lens carrier 104, passes through the one or more lenses 102, and isfolded by the second prism 108 such that the light is directed towardsthe image sensor 110. As will be discussed in further detail below, thelens carrier 104 may be coupled with an actuator assembly that isconfigured to move the lens carrier 104 in multiple directions, e.g., toprovide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS)functionality. Optical axis 118 may be defined as the portion of opticalpath 114 that runs between prism 106 and 108 through lenses 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates voice coil motor actuator movements of the lenscarrier of the folded optics arrangement camera in an autofocusdirection and multiple optical image stabilization directions, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example lens carrier (e.g., lens carrier 104) thatmoves in directions corresponding to at least three degrees of freedom,(e.g. along an X, Y, and Z axis) within a folded optics arrangementcamera 100. In some embodiments, the lens carrier 104 may be combined ina folded optics arrangement camera that includes a voice coil motoractuator and horizontal suspension wires as described herein withreference to FIGS. 1 and 3-16 .

As indicated in FIG. 2 , the lens carrier 104 may be shifted (e.g., byan actuator, such as the actuator assemblies/arrangements discussed infurther detail below) along optical axis 202 to provide AF movement inthe X-direction. Additionally, or alternatively, the lens carrier 104may be shifted along Z-axis 204 to provide OIS movement in OIS-Zdirections (also referred to herein as “OIS-Z movement”). Additionally,or alternatively, the lens carrier 104 may be shifted along Y-axis 206to provide OIS movement in OIS-Y directions (also referred to herein as“OIS-Y movement”), which are orthogonal to the OIS-X directions.

A folded optics arrangement camera that includes one or more actuatorsmay have vibration characteristics resulting from an arrangement ofmasses and springs of the camera and actuators. In some situations, afolded optics arrangement camera that includes one or more actuators mayhave both translational and rotational modes of normal free vibrationthat may be excited at one or more resonant frequencies of the cameraand actuator system (e.g. one or more natural frequencies of thesystem). In some situations, such normal modes of free vibration may,when excited, negatively impact image quality. For example, oscillatingtranslational motion that causes a lens carrier to move towards and awayfrom an image sensor may cause captured images to be out of focus. In asimilar manner, rotational motion that causes a lens carrier to rotatesuch that the lens carrier is skewed in relation to light passingthrough the lens carrier along an optical axis of the camera may causeimages to be negatively impacted. For example, one portion of the imagemay be slightly magnified or better focused than an opposing portion ofthe image.

However, in other situations normal modes of free vibration may bebenign (e.g. not adversely impact image quality). For example, a normalmode of rotational free vibration that causes a lens carrier to rotateabout an optical axis of a camera may not negatively affect a quality ofa captured image. This is because the lenses of the lens carrier may besymmetrical such that rotation of the lenses does not affect how lightis altered as the light passes through the lenses of the lens carrier onthe way to the image sensor.

In some embodiments, a folded optics arrangement camera that includesactuators and suspension systems that make up an actuator assembly mayinclude a lens carrier arranged in a carrier frame and connected to thecarrier frame via suspension springs that allow motion of the lenscarrier in the carrier frame along the optical axis. For example, avoice coil motor actuator may move the lens carrier in the carrier framealong the optical axis (e.g. in the X-direction) to performautofocusing. However, the suspension springs connecting the lenscarrier to the carrier frame may restrict motion of the lens carrierrelative to the carrier frame in directions not along the optical axis.This may prevent the lens carrier from rotating in the carrier frame, orfrom being translated vertically (e.g. in the Z-direction) orhorizontally (e.g. in the Y-direction) relative to the carrier frame.

In some embodiments, a folded optics arrangement camera and actuatorassembly may further include horizontal suspension wires that connectthe carrier frame to a static structure of the camera. For example, thestatic structure of the camera may be rigidly coupled to a frame orother member of a device in which the camera is mounted. The suspensionwires may prevent motion of the carrier frame along the optical axis(e.g. in the X-direction), but may allow the carrier frame (and the lenscarrier mounted within the carrier frame) to be adjusted in directionsorthogonal to the optical axis (e.g. in the Z-direction and theY-direction). For example, voice coil motor (VCM) actuators may adjustthe carrier frame (and lens carrier mounted in the carrier frame) in anOIS-X direction and an OIS-Z direction to perform optical imagestabilization.

In some embodiments, the mass of the carrier frame, the mass of the lenscarrier, and respective spring constants of the suspension springsconnecting the lens carrier to the carrier frame may result in a systemthat has a first mode of normal rotational free vibration such that thelens carrier rotates about the optical axis without tilting or skewingrelative to the optical axis. This first mode of normal rotational freevibration may not negatively impact image quality. For example, thelenses of the lens carrier may rotate about the optical axis whileremaining at a same distance and orientation relative to the imagesensor. Additionally, such an arrangement of masses and springs maycause other modes of normal free rotational vibration to correspond tohigher frequencies that are less likely to be excited. For example, asecond and a third mode of normal rotational free vibration may beassociated with natural frequencies of 200 Hertz or greater.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a folded optics arrangementcamera that includes a voice coil motor actuator assembly comprisingvoice coil motor actuators and a horizontal suspension wire arrangement,according to some embodiments.

Folded optics arrangement camera 300 includes lens carrier 302, carrierframe 304, and static structure 306. In some embodiments, staticstructure 306 may mount to a casing or other fixed component of a devicein which folded optics arrangement camera 300 is mounted. In someembodiments, coils are mounted to the static structure 306 and togetherwith magnets mounted to the carrier frame 304, and lens carrier 302 formvoice coil motor actuators that exert Lorentz forces to causeadjustments of optical components of the folded optics arrangementcamera 300, such as carrier frame 304 and/or lens carrier 302.

In some embodiments, optical image stabilization (OIS) coils that act inthe Y-direction are mounted on either side of the static structure 306.The OIS coils may, in conjunction with associated magnets, form voicecoil motor actuators that cause carrier frame 304 to move in theY-direction. For example, OIS-Y coil 308 is mounted on a first side ofthe static structure 306 and an additional OIS-Y coil 310 is mounted ona second side of the static structure 306 opposite OIS-Y coil 308. TheOIS-Y coils interact with respective magnets 360 mounted on either sideof carrier frame 304 to generate Lorentz forces to actuate movement ofcarrier frame 304 in the Y-direction.

In some embodiments, sensors may be mounted in the coils. For example,hall sensor 312 is mounted in OIS-Y coil 308 and hall sensor 314 ismounted in OIS-Y coil 310. Sensors, such as hall sensors 312 and 314,may sense magnetic fields at the respective coils and may be used tocontrol voice coil motor actuators (VCM actuators) such as VCM actuatorsassociated with OIS-Y coils 308 and 310.

In some embodiments, an additional coil is mounted to the staticstructure 306 at an end of the static structure 306 to provide opticalimage stabilization in the Z-direction (OIS-Z). For example, OIS-Z coil316 is mounted at an end of static structure 306 and hall sensor 318 ismounted in OIS-Z coil 316. In some embodiments, magnets associated withOIS-Y coils 308 and 310 are single pole magnets, whereas a dual polemagnet or magnets is associated with OIS-Z coil 316. Additionally,another coil may be mounted on a base of static structure 306 togenerate Lorentz forces causing movements in the X-direction, whichcorresponds with an autofocus direction for the folded opticsarrangement camera 300. For example, AF-X coil 320 shown above in theexploded view of FIG. 3 may mount on a base of static structure 306between the first and second sides of the static structure 306 to whichthe OIS-Y coils 308 and 310 are respectively mounted. Though not shown,in some embodiments, a hall sensor may be mounted to a base of staticstructure 306 in an opening of AF-X coil 320, in a similar manner ashall sensors 312, 314, and 318 are mounted in openings of OIS-Y coils308 and 310 and OIS-Z coils 316.

In some embodiments, a static structure may further include one or morechannels, such as channels 322 and 324. When assembled, suspensionwires, such as suspension wires 326 and 328 may pass through thechannels 322 and 324. In some embodiments, channels, such as channels322 and 324, may be filled with a damping substance such as a gel,rubber, or other viscous material that provides damping to a suspensionsystem of an actuator assembly associated with folded optics arrangementcamera 300.

In some embodiments, an image sensor, such as image sensor 330, may alsobe mounted to static structure 306. In some embodiments, an image sensormay include a light sensing portion, circuitry, and associatedpackaging. In some embodiments, one or more pads 332 may be mountedadjacent to an image sensor and may support a prism module that mountsabove the image sensor. For example, when assembled, prism 334 may mountabove image sensor 330 and may be supported by pads 332.

In some embodiments, a carrier frame, such as carrier frame 304 may fitwithin outer wall structures of a static structure, such as the outerwall structures 336, 338, and 340 of static structure 306 that includeOIS-Y coils 308 and 310 and OIS-Z coil 316, respectively. In someembodiments, the outer wall structures may include static bases to whichsuspension wires are mounted. For example, static structure 306 mayinclude outer wall structures 336, 338, and 340, within which OIS-Ycoils 308 and 310 and OIS-Z coil 316 are mounted. Also, static bases 340and 344 may be included in outer wall structure 336 and static bases 346and 348 may be included in outer wall structure 338. Though shown in anexploded view in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, base pads associated withsuspension wires, such as base pads 350 associated with suspension wires326 and 328 may be molded into static bases, such as static bases 342,344, 346, and 348. For example, in some embodiments, base pads 350 maybe metal pads that are included in molded plastic static bases 342, 344,346, and 348. In some embodiments, suspension wires 326, 328 and otherones of the suspension wires shown in FIG. 3 may be soldered to arespective base pad included in a static base of a static wall tomechanically connect an end of each of the suspension wires to thestatic structure 306.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the suspension wires, such as suspensionwires 326, 328, 352, and 354, may run horizontally along a length of thefolded optics arrangement camera (as opposed to a vertical orientationin an up and down direction along a height of the folded opticsarrangement camera). In some embodiments, the horizontal direction alongwhich the suspension wires run may be in a same direction as an opticalaxis of the folded optics camera, such as optical axis portion 118 ofoptical path 114 shown in FIG. 1 that passes through lens 102 of lenscarrier 104. In some embodiments, lens carrier 302 may move in similarmanners as described for lens carrier 104 in regard to FIGS. 1-2 .

In some embodiments, horizontally arranged suspension wires may reducean overall Z-height of a folded optics arrangement camera as opposed toother camera types that do not use horizontally arranged suspensionwires. This is because the suspension wires may run along a side of thefolded optics camera without extending beyond the boundaries of thefolded optics camera. For example, other types of cameras may mountsuspension wires to a static structure outside of a camera, thus causingthe suspension wires to extend beyond the boundaries of the other typeof camera. In contrast, a folded optics arrangement camera asillustrated in FIG. 3 may include suspension wires that are within outerboundaries of the folded optics camera and that do not extend beyondthese boundaries. For example, suspension wires 326 and 352 may extendbetween flex tabs 356 and 358 and static base 342 of wall structure 336.In this way, the suspension wires fit within an outer envelope of foldedoptic arrangement camera 300. Also, suspension wires mountedhorizontally, such as suspension wires 326, 328, 352, 354 (andadditional suspension wires on an opposite side of folded opticsarrangement camera 300 not shown in FIG. 3 ), may be longer thansuspension wires typically used in vertical suspension arrangements.This is because the respective lengths of the suspension wires may notaffect the overall dimensions of the folded optics arrangement camera300. Additionally, longer suspension wires may reduce stressesexperienced by the suspension wires by distributing forces experiencedby a suspension wire over a longer length of wire. In a similar manner,flex tabs 356, 358 and corresponding flex tabs 364, 366, 382, 384 (andanother set of flex tabs not show in FIG. 3 associated with other onesof the suspension wires) may flex in response to sudden forces as may beexperienced when a device containing a folded optics arrangement camera300 is dropped. The flex tabs may be mounted to the carrier frame 304and along with the suspension wires connect the carrier frame to thestatic structure 306.

In some embodiments, flexure of the flex tabs may also help absorbsudden forces such that stress on suspension wires are reduced and suchthat suspension wires, such as suspension wires 326, 328, 352, and 354do not fail when a device containing folded optics arrangement camera300 is dropped or otherwise experiences sudden forces.

In some embodiments, carrier frame 304 may also include magnets mountedon or otherwise attached to the carrier frame 304. For example, singlepole magnet 360 is mounted on carrier frame 304 and moves with carrierframe 304. Also dual pole magnet(s) 362 are mounted to carrier frame 304and move with carrier frame 304. In some embodiments, single pole magnet360 (and an additional single pole magnet on an opposite side of carrierframe 304) may interact with OIS-Y coils 308 and 310 to provide OIS-Yactuation. Also, dual pole magnet(s) 362 may interact with OIS-Z coil316 to provide OIS-Z actuation.

In some embodiments, prisms 368 and 334 may mount in carrier frame 304and may move with carrier frame 304. In some embodiments, prism 368 mayinclude an aperture 370 through which light enters folded opticsarrangement camera 300 and prism 334 may direct light that has passedthrough lenses of lens carrier 302 towards image sensor 330. In someembodiments lens carrier 302 may include one or more lens, such as lenscarrier 104 illustrated in FIG. 1 that includes lenses 102.

In some embodiments, a lens carrier may mount between prisms 368 and 334via suspension springs 372 and 374. In some embodiments, suspensionsprings 372 may allow motion of the lens carrier 302 relative to thecarrier frame 304 in the X-direction (autofocus direction along theoptical axis), but may prevent motion of the lens carrier 302 relativeto the carrier frame 304 in a vertical or Z-direction. Also, suspensionsprings 374 may allow motion of the lens carrier 302 relative to thecarrier frame 304 in the X-direction (autofocus direction along theoptical axis), but may prevent motion of the lens carrier 302 relativeto the carrier frame 304 in a side-to-side or Y-direction. Becausecollectively suspension springs 372 and 374 allow motion of the lenscarrier 302 relative to the carrier frame 304 in the X-direction butrestrict motion of the lens carrier 302 relative to the carrier frame inthe Z and Y directions, the lens carrier 302 may be restricted to motionin the X-direction relative to the carrier frame 304.

In some embodiments, a dual pole magnet(s) 376 may be mounted to lenscarrier 302 and may interact with AF-X coil 320 to move the lens carrier302 relative to carrier frame 304 in an auto focus direction(X-direction) to focus folded optics arrangement camera 300. Also,suspension wires 326, 328, 352 and 354 may be rigid or semi-rigid in theX-direction thus preventing motion of the carrier frame 304 relative tostatic structure 306 in the X-direction, but may be flexible indirections orthogonal to the X-direction, such that carrier frame 304(and lens carrier 302 mounted within carrier frame 304) may move in theY and Z directions. For example carrier fame 304 and lens carrier 302may move in response to Lorentz forces generated between OIS-Y coils andtheir respective single pole magnets, and the OIS-Z coils and theirrespective dual-pole magnet(s).

In some embodiments, dual pole magnets, such as dual pole magnet(s) 376and dual pole magnet(s) 362 may be mounted to a ferromagnetic pad 378that re-directs magnetic fields associated with the magnets towards arespective set of coils associated with the respective magnet.

In some embodiments, OIS-Y coils 308 and 310, OIS-Z coils 316, and AF-Xcoils 320 may be mounted to a common substrate such as a piece of sheetmetal and tabs of the substrate may be bent upwards to position theOIS-Y coils and the OIS-Z coils in a position in the respective staticwalls 336, 338, and 340. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , a tab towhich a coil is mounted may fit within an opening in a static wall, suchas tab 380 that includes OIS-Y coil 308 and that is bent up into anopening in static wall 336.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled folded opticsarrangement camera that includes a voice coil motor assembly comprisingvoice coil motor actuators and a horizontal suspension wire arrangement,according to some embodiments.

The folded optics arrangement camera illustrated in FIG. 4 may be anassembled version of the exploded view folded optics arrangement camera300 shown in FIG. 3 . As can be seen in FIG. 4 , lens carrier 302 ismounted between prism 368 and prism 334. Also, lens carrier 302, prism368, and prims 334 are mounted in carrier frame 304 that is in turnmounted in static structure 306. Lens carrier 302 may be actuated tomove in an autofocus (X-direction) such that lens carrier 302 movescloser to or further away from prism 334. Note that as explained inregard to FIG. 3 , image sensor 330 may be mounted to static structure306 and positioned under prism 334. Also carrier frame 304 may move in aY-direction and Z-direction due to forces exerted by voice coil motors.For example, OIS-Y coil 310 may, in conjunction with a single-polemagnet 360 mounted to carrier frame 304 cause the carrier frame 304 tomove in the Y-direction. In a similar manner OIS-Z coil 316 andassociated dual pole magnets 362 mounted to carrier frame 304 may causethe carrier frame 304 to move in the Z-direction.

As shown in FIG. 4 flex tabs 402 and 404 (which were on a back-side notvisible in FIG. 3 ) and flex tab 356 and flex tab 358 are mounted oncarrier frame 304. In some embodiments, a set of flex tabs may beincluded in a bracket 406 that is attached to a corner of carrier frame304. In some embodiments each corner of carrier frame 304 may include abracket comprising two flex tabs that connect with a set of twosuspension wires, wherein the suspension wires and flex tabsmechanically connect the carrier frame 304 to a static structure 306.

In a similar manner as described in regard to FIG. 3 , static structure306 may include channels, such as channels 408, 410, and 420, andsuspension wires, such as suspension wires 412, 414, and 418, may passthrough the channels. In some embodiments, the channels may include adamping material, such as a gel or other viscous material. In someembodiments, each suspension wire may pass through a respective channelor some suspension wires, such as suspension wire 416 may be connectedwithout passing through a channel. In some embodiments, differentmaterials may be included in different channels to adjust damping asneeded. Also channels may be included or omitted to adjust damping asneeded.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away view of a folded optics arrangement cameramounted in a mobile device casing, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a folded optics arrangement camera, such as foldedoptics arrangement camera 300 described in regard to FIGS. 3 and 4 , maybe mounted in a device casing that includes a turret, such as turret502.

For example, folded optics arrangement camera 512 mounted within devicecasing 504 has a first Z-height dimension 506 that does not include aportion of folded optics arrangement camera 512 extending out intoturret 502 and a second Z-height dimension 508 that is greater thanfirst Z-height dimension 506 and that includes a distance for whichfolded optics arrangement camera 512 extends out into turret 502, whichin turn extends out from a planar surface of device casing 504. In someembodiments, a turret 502 may include a window 510 and a portion offolded optics camera 512 may be mounted behind the window 510. Light maypass through window 510 and enter folded optics camera 512 via aperture514. The light may be reflected off of prism 516 and pass through lenses518 of lens carrier 520. The light, after passing through lenses 518 oflens carrier 520, may be reflected off of prism 522 and directed toimage sensor 524 of folded optics arrangement camera 512. In someembodiments, lens carrier 520 may have a travel distance 526 betweenprism 516 and 522 wherein a position of the lens carrier along traveldistance 526 is adjusted to focus the folded optics arrangement camera512.

In some embodiments, the first Z-height dimension of the folded opticsarrangement camera 512 (also referred to as a shoulder height) may bebetween 4 and 5 millimeters. The first Z-height dimension may correspondto a portion of the folded optics arrangement camera 512 that ispositioned beneath a shoulder 528 of the turret 502. In someembodiments, the second Z-height dimension of the folded opticsarrangement camera 512 (also referred to as a turret height) may bebetween 7 and 8 millimeters and may correspond to a portion of thefolded optics arrangement camera 512 that extends out into the turret502. In some embodiments, the length of the folded optics arrangementcamera 512 may be less than 20 millimeters and the width of the foldedoptics arrangement camera 512 may be less than 13 millimeters. In someembodiments, other ones of the folded optics arrangement camerasdescribed herein, such as in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-16 may have similardimensions as folded optics camera 512 and may fit partially within aturret of a device case, as shown in FIG. 5 .

In some embodiments, suspension wires of an actuator assembly, such asthe suspension wires discussed in regard to FIGS. 3-4 , may be orientedin a direction perpendicular to a height of a turret, such as turret502. Also, because the suspension wires run perpendicular to the turretheight, the length of the suspension wires may be independent of theturret height, e.g. the length of the suspension wires is de-coupledfrom the turret height.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an assembled folded optics arrangementcamera that includes voice coil motor actuators and a horizontalsuspension wire arrangement, according to some embodiments. For example,the folded optics arrangement camera and actuator assembly illustratedin FIG. 6A may be the same as folded optics arrangement camera 300illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 .

FIG. 6B is a zoomed-in perspective view illustrating horizontalsuspension wires of a folded optics arrangement camera, according tosome embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6B, bracket 406 that includes flextabs 402 and 404 is mounted to carrier frame 304. Suspension wires 416and 412 are connected at respective first ends to flex tabs 402 and 404,respectively, and are connected at respective second ends to base pads602 and 604. In some embodiments, any of the base pads 350 describedabove in regard to FIG. 3 may be arranged in a similar manner as basepads 602 and 604 illustrated in FIG. 6B. In some embodiments, each ofthe suspension wires 326, 328, 352, 354, 412, 414, 416, and 418 may beconnected at a first end to a flex tab of a bracket mounted to thecarrier frame 304 and may be connected at a second end to a base padmounted in a static base of a static wall structure, such as base pads602 and 604 mounted in static base 606 of a static wall structure ofstatic structure 306. In some embodiments, channel 408 may be filledwith a viscous material such as a gel or rubber that provides damping tothe actuator assembly (e.g. to carrier frame 304). In some embodiments,the static base 606 may be made of a plastic material and base pads 602and 604 may be metal inserts embedded in the plastic material of thestatic base. In some embodiments, a carrier frame may be pre-assembledwith attached brackets that include flex tabs and attached suspensionwires attached to the flex tabs. In some embodiments, to assemble anactuator assembly, after placing carrier frame 304 into static structure306, loose ends of the suspension wires may be soldered to respectivebase pads.

FIG. 6C is a top view of a folded optics arrangement camera thatincludes voice coil motor actuators and a horizontal suspension wirearrangement, according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 6C, carrier frame 304 is mounted within wall structuresof static structure 306. For example, carrier frame 304 is mountedwithin boundaries defined by static bases 602, 604, 606, and 608 ofstatic structure 306 and wall structure 340 of static structure 306. Insome embodiments tabs 608 and 612 each include a respective OIS-Y coiland are bent up to fit within an opening between static base 602 and604, and an opening between static base 606 and 608, respectively. Also,tab 614 is bent up to fit within an opening of wall structure 340. Insome embodiments, tabs 610, 612, and 614 are part of a common assemblyincluded in static structure 306 or coupled to static structure 306. Forexample, in some embodiments, tabs 610, 612, and 614 are tabs of a sheetmetal structure that is included in or coupled to static structure 306,and that are bent up around carrier frame 304.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6C, carrier frame 304 may be a magnet holder inaddition to being a carrier frame for the lens carrier 302. For example,single pole OIS-Y magnet 360 may be mounted on a first side of carrierframe 304 and an additional single pole OIS-Y magnet 616 may be mountedon an opposite side of carrier frame 304. Additionally, dual pole OIS-Zmagnet 362 may be mounted on a third side of carrier frame 304orthogonal to the first side of carrier frame 304. In some embodiments,a set of two suspension wires may mechanically connect each corner ofcarrier frame 304 to respective ones of the static bases. For example aset of two suspension wires 618 may connect a first corner of carrierframe 304 to static base 602. Another set of two suspension wires 620may connect a second corner of carrier frame 304 to static base 604.Also, a set of suspension wires 622 may connect a third corner ofcarrier frame 304 to static base 606 and a set of suspension wires 624may connect a fourth corner of carrier frame 304 to static base 608.

In some embodiments, an actuator assembly may include a total of eightsuspension wires with two suspension wires connected to each corner of acarrier frame. In some embodiments, other combinations of suspensionwires may be used. In some embodiments, using two suspension wires foreach corner of a carrier frame may reduce a tilt mode of the carrierframe as compared to using a single suspension wire. This is because thetwo suspension wires may provide a more stable base as compared to asingle point connection. Additionally, use of two suspension wires mayreduce stresses experienced by the suspension wires by distributingforces across the set of two suspension wires.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of lens carrier of a folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates lens carrier 302 and suspension springs 372 and 374.In some embodiments, a lens carrier, such as lens carrier 302, mayinclude multiple lenses 702. In some embodiments, a lens carrier, suchas lens carrier 302, may also include a lens carrier casing 704 that isangled along the optical axis of the lens carrier such that a height ofthe lens carrier casing at a first end is lower than a height of thelens carrier casing at a second end. In some embodiments, an angled lenscarrier casing may fit under a shoulder of a turret as shown in FIG. 5 .In some embodiments, suspension springs 372 may restrict vertical orZ-motion of the lens carrier, but allow motion of the lens carrier alongan optical axis running through the lenses 702. In some embodiments,suspension springs 374 may restrict side-to-side motion or Y-motion ofthe lens carrier, but allow motion of the lens carrier along the opticalaxis. In some embodiments, a lens carrier may be connected to a carrierframe using a greater quantity of lower suspension springs 374 thanupper suspension springs 372. In some embodiments, no upper suspensionsprings 372 may be connected to an angled lower end of the lens carriercasing 704.

In some embodiments, a lens carrier may be coupled to a carrier fameusing fewer than eight suspension springs. In some embodiments, uppersuspension springs 372 and lower suspension springs 374 may havedifferent spring coefficients (k). In some embodiments, springcoefficients (k) for the upper suspension springs 372 and the lowersuspension springs 374 may be selected such that the lens carrier andcarrier frame assembly have a first mode of free rotational normalvibration about the optical axis running through lenses 702.

FIG. 7B is a zoomed-in perspective view of suspension springs associatedwith the lens carrier illustrated in FIG. 7A, according to someembodiments.

As shown in FIG. 7B suspension springs (e.g. suspension springs 372 and374) may mechanically connect a lens carrier 302 to a carrier frame 304that is mounted within a static structure 306, wherein the carrier frame304 is coupled to the static structure 306 via suspension wires asdescribed herein.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a lens carrier of a foldedoptics arrangement camera, wherein the lens carrier translates along anoptical axis relative to a carrier frame of the folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, lenses, such as lenses 702, may be mounted in alens barrel 802 and the lens barrel 802 may mount in a lens carrier 302,as shown in FIG. 8A. In some embodiments, lenses may mount directly in alens carrier without using a lens barrel, such as lens barrel 802.

In some embodiments, suspension springs 372 and 374 may twist to allowmotion in an autofocus or X-direction, but may restrict motion indirections orthogonal to the X-direction, such as the Y-direction or theZ-direction.

FIGS. 8B-8C illustrate elongation of suspension springs that allowmotion of a lens carrier along an optical axis of a folded opticsarrangement camera, but prevent vertical motion of the lens carrier indirections orthogonal to the optical axis of the folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

For example, suspension springs 372 may prevent motion in theZ-direction, but may elongate to allow motion of the lens carrier 302relative to the carrier frame 304 in the X-direction.

FIGS. 8D-8E illustrate elongation of suspension springs that allowmotion of a lens carrier along an optical axis of a folded opticsarrangement camera, but prevent side-to-side motion of the lens carrierin directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the folded opticsarrangement camera, according to some embodiments.

As another example, suspension springs 374 may prevent motion in theY-direction, but may elongate to allow motion of the lens carrier 302relative to the carrier frame 304 in the X-direction.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a side view of a static structure of a foldedoptics arrangement camera and motion of a carrier frame of the foldedoptics arrangement camera relative to the static structure, according tosome embodiments.

In some embodiments, suspension wires 326, 328, 352, and 354 (and otherones of the suspension wires described herein) may be arranged such thatthe wires do not allow motion of a carrier frame 304 relative to staticstructure 306 in the X-direction (autofocus direction), but allow motionof the carrier frame 304 relative to the static structure in opticalimage stabilization directions, such as the Y-direction and theZ-direction. For example, because suspension wires 326 and 328 arearranged in an opposing arrangement in the X-direction, the suspensionwires may prevent motion in the X-direction. For example, movement ofthe carrier frame 304 to the right may be prevented by tension insuspension wires 328 and 354 and movement to the left may be preventedby tension in suspension wires 326 and 352. However the suspension wiresmay allow vertical motion of the carrier frame relative to the staticstructure upwards in the Z-direction as shown in FIG. 9A and may allowvertical motion of the carrier frame relative to the static structuredownwards in the Z-direction as shown in FIG. 9B.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, coils such as OIS-Y coils 308 may bestatic, while magnets mounted to carrier frame 304 move with the carrierframe 304 when voice coil motor actuators made up of the respectivecoils and magnets cause actuation of the carrier frame in the OIS-Ydirection (or the OIS-Z direction).

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate at top view of an end of a carrier frame of afolded optics arrangement camera, wherein the carrier frame movesrelative to a static structure of the folded optics arrangement camera,according to some embodiments.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, suspension wires 326, 328, 352,and 354 (and other ones of the suspension wires described herein) may bearranged such that the wires do not allow motion of a carrier frame 304relative to static structure 306 in the X-direction (autofocusdirection), but allow motion of the carrier frame 304 relative to thestatic structure in optical image stabilization directions, such as theY-direction and the Z-direction.

For example, FIG. 10A illustrates suspension wires 352 and 416 allowingcarrier frame 304 to translate to the left in the Y-direction relativeto static structure 306. Also, FIG. 10B illustrates suspension wires 352and 416 allowing carrier frame 304 to translate to the right in theY-direction relative to static structure 306.

FIG. 11 illustrates a first rotational normal mode of free vibration ofa folded optics arrangement camera that includes a horizontal suspensionwire arrangement, according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 11 , an actuator assembly 1100 comprising a carrierframe 302 and lens carrier 302 mounted in the carrier frame viasuspension springs as described above, wherein the carrier frame ismechanically connected to a static structure via suspension wires asdescribed above, may have a first normal mode of rotational freevibration about the optical axis (e.g. the X-axis or the autofocusdirection). In some embodiments, a normal mode of rotational freevibration that causes a lens carrier to rotate about an optical axis ofa camera may not negatively affect a quality of a captured image. Thisis because the lenses of the lens carrier may be symmetrical such thatrotation of the lenses does not affect how light is altered as the lightpasses through the lenses of the lens carrier on the way to the imagesensor.

In some embodiments, a center a first normal mode of rotational freevibration of an actuator assembly 1100 may be adjusted by changingmasses of respective components of the actuator assembly 1100, such asthe lens carrier 302 or the carrier frame 304. Also, the center of thefirst normal mode of rotational free vibration may be adjusted bychanging stiffnesses of springs used to mechanically connect a lenscarrier to a carrier frame, such as suspension springs 372 and 374. Forexample, in some embodiments, a lens carrier may have a moving mass inthe X-direction of approximately 300 milligrams. However, in the OIS-Ydirection and the OIS-Z direction the moving mass may include the massof the lens carrier 302 and the carrier frame 304. For example themoving mass in the OIS-Y and OIS-Z directions may be approximately 600milligrams. In some embodiments, the suspension springs (both upper andlower) may have a combined relative spring coefficient (k) of 72 N/m.The suspension wires may have a combined spring coefficient (k) in theY-direction and in the Z-direction of 80 N/m. In some embodiments, astroke distance of a lens carrier within a carrier frame may beapproximately 200 micrometers. In some embodiments, a stroke distance ofa carrier frame in a Y-direction and in a Z-direction may beapproximately 150 micrometers, respectively. In some embodiments, coilsused in a voice coil motor, such as OIS-Y coils, OIS-Z coils, and/orAF-coils may include 50 or more turns and may produce Lorentz forces ofover 2×10{circumflex over ( )}−3 N/A per turn. In some embodiments avoice coil motor actuator may have a sensitivity in an autofocusdirection of 2 micrometers per micro amp, a sensitivity in the OIS-Ydirection of 2.5 micrometers per micro amp, and a sensitivity in theOIS-Z direction of 3.5 micrometers per micro amp. In some embodiments,the respective spring constants of the suspension springs 372 and 374may be selected or adjusted such that an axis of rotation in the firstnormal mode of rotational free vibration passes through the center ornear the center of the lenses of the lens carrier.

In some embodiments, the first normal mode of rotational free vibrationof the actuator assembly 1100 about the optical or X-axis may be excitedat a frequency of about 175 Hertz. In some embodiments, other modes ofrotational free vibration, such as about the Y-axis or the Z-axis may beexcited at frequencies greater than 200 Hertz, but may not be excited atfrequencies less than 200 Hertz.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate perspective views of a folded opticsarrangement camera that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuatorassembly showing locations of coils and magnets of the VCM actuatorassembly, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, two single pole magnets 360 and 616 are mounted oneither side of a carrier frame 304 and interact with OIS-Y coils 308 and310, respectively to form a voice coil motor actuator system in theY-direction. In some embodiments, dual pole magnets 362 are mounted on athird side of a carrier frame 304 and interact with OIS-Z coils 316 toform an additional voice coil motor actuator in the Z direction. In someembodiments, dual pole magnets 376 are mounted on a bottom side of alens carrier 302 and interact with autofocus coils 320 mounted to staticstructure 306 (hidden beneath dual pole magnets 376 in FIG. 12B) to forma voice coil motor actuator in the X-direction.

In some embodiments, tabs for the respective coils may be inserted intoa static structure 306 or otherwise coupled to a static structure 306 toform a common assembly. For example, tab 1202 comprising OIS-Y coil 310,tab 1204 comprising OIS-Y coil 308, and tab 1206 comprising OIS-Z coil316 are inserted or otherwise coupled to static structure 306 and arebent up around carrier frame 304.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view showing relative locations ofmagnets, coils, and sensors included in a voice coil motor (VCM)actuator assembly of a folded optics arrangement camera, according tosome embodiments.

For example, an OIS-Y circuit may include OIS-Y coils 308 and 310positioned opposite of one another on a static structure of a foldedoptics arrangement camera actuator assembly. Also, single pole magnets360 and 616 may be mounted to a carrier frame and positioned adjacent tothe OIS-Y coils 308 and 310. Current flow through the OIS-Y coils mayinduce a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetic field of therespective single pole magnets 360 and 616 to cause one or more forcesto be exerted on a carrier frame, wherein the one or more forces act inthe Y-direction. In some embodiments, the OIS-Y coils 308 and 310 andassociated magnets 360 and 616 may be positioned such that forcesexerted on the carrier frame by the combination of OIS-Y coils andmagnets act on a center of mass of the carrier frame.

In some embodiments, an OIS-Z circuit may include an OIS-Z coil 316.Current flowing through the OIS-Z coil may induce a magnetic field thatinteracts with the dual pole magnet 362 to cause a carrier frame to moveupwards or downwards in the Z-direction. In some embodiments, anautofocus circuit may include AF-coils 320 mounted on a base of a staticstructure. A corresponding dual pole magnet 376 may be mounted on abottom side of a lens carrier and may be positioned above the AF-coils320 mounted to the static structure. Current flow through the AF-coils320 may cause one or more forces to be exerted on the lens carrier ineither the positive or negative X-direction such that the AF-coils andassociated dual pole magnet form a voice coil motor actuator that causesthe position of the lens carrier to be adjusted in the X-direction.

In some embodiments, hall sensor 318 included in OIS-Z coil 316 measuresmagnetic field Bx, hall sensor 314 included in OIS-Y coil measuresmagnetic field By, another hall sensor 312 (not shown in FIG. 13 )included in OIS-Y coil 308 measures an additional magnetic field By onanother side of the carrier frame, and hall sensor 1302 included inAF-coil 320 measures a magnetic field Bz.

In some embodiments, magnetic field measurements from hall sensors 318,314, 312, and 1302 may be used by an actuator controller to adjust aposition of a lens carrier in an X-direction and to adjust a position ofa carrier frame (and lens carrier mounted within the carrier frame) in aY-direction and/or Z-direction.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example portable multifunctiondevice 1400 that may include a camera having a folded optics arrangementand actuator assembly as described above, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, the portable multifunction device 1400may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionalityof embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-13, 15, and 16.

Camera(s) 1464 is sometimes called an “optical sensor” for convenience,and may also be known as or called an optical sensor system. In someembodiments, camera 1464 may be a folded optics arrangement camera andactuator system as described herein, such as folded optics arrangementcamera 300. Device 1400 may include memory 1402 (which may include oneor more computer readable storage mediums), memory controller 1422, oneor more processing units (CPUs) 1420, peripherals interface 1418, RFcircuitry 1408, audio circuitry 1410, speaker 1411, touch-sensitivedisplay system 1412, microphone 1413, input/output (I/O) subsystem 1406,other input or control devices 1416, and external port 1424. Device 1400may include one or more optical sensors 1464. These components maycommunicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 1403.

It should be appreciated that device 1400 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 1400 may have more orfewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or mayhave a different configuration or arrangement of the components. Thevarious components shown in FIG. 14 may be implemented in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one ormore signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

Memory 1402 may include high-speed random access memory and may alsoinclude non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memorydevices. Access to memory 1402 by other components of device 1400, suchas CPU 1420 and the peripherals interface 1418, may be controlled bymemory controller 1422.

Peripherals interface 1418 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU 1420 and memory 1402. The one or moreprocessors 1420 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 1402 to perform various functions fordevice 1400 and to process data.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 1418, CPU 1420, and memorycontroller 1422 may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 1404.In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 1408 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 1408 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 1408 may include well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 1408 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, alsoreferred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wirelessnetwork, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local areanetwork (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and otherdevices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may useany of a variety of communications standards, protocols andtechnologies, including but not limited to Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA),wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multipleaccess (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/orIEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocolfor e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or postoffice protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messagingand presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for InstantMessaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messagingand Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or anyother suitable communication protocol, including communication protocolsnot yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

Audio circuitry 1410, speaker 1411, and microphone 1413 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 1400. Audio circuitry 1410 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 1418, converts the audio data toan electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker1411. Speaker 1411 converts the electrical signal to human-audible soundwaves. Audio circuitry 1410 also receives electrical signals convertedby microphone 1413 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 1410 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 1418 for processing. Audio data may be retrievedfrom and/or transmitted to memory 1402 and/or RF circuitry 1408 byperipherals interface 1418. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 1410also includes a headset jack (e.g., 1512, FIG. 15 ). The headset jackprovides an interface between audio circuitry 1410 and removable audioinput/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headsetwith both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input(e.g., a microphone).

I/O subsystem 1406 couples input/output peripherals on device 1400, suchas touch screen 1412 and other input control devices 1416, toperipherals interface 1418. I/O subsystem 1406 may include displaycontroller 1456 and one or more input controllers 1460 for other inputor control devices. The one or more input controllers 1460 receive/sendelectrical signals from/to other input or control devices 1416. Theother input control devices 1416 may include physical buttons (e.g.,push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks,click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, inputcontroller(s) 1460 may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: akeyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse.The one or more buttons (e.g., 1508, FIG. 15 ) may include an up/downbutton for volume control of speaker 1411 and/or microphone 1413. Theone or more buttons may include a push button (e.g., 1506, FIG. 15 ).

Touch-sensitive display 1412 provides an input interface and an outputinterface between the device and a user. Display controller 1456receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen 1412.Touch screen 1412 displays visual output to the user. The visual outputmay include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof(collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all ofthe visual output may correspond to user-interface objects.

Touch screen 1412 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set ofsensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactilecontact. Touch screen 1412 and display controller 1456 (along with anyassociated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 1402) detectcontact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen1412 and converts the detected contact into interaction withuser-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages orimages) that are displayed on touch screen 1412. In an exampleembodiment, a point of contact between touch screen 1412 and the usercorresponds to a finger of the user.

Touch screen 1412 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD(light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emittingdiode) technology, although other display technologies may be used inother embodiments. Touch screen 1412 and display controller 1456 maydetect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of avariety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed,including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, andsurface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensorarrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contactwith touch screen 1412. In an example embodiment, projected mutualcapacitance sensing technology is used.

Touch screen 1412 may have a video resolution in excess of 800 dpi. Insome embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution ofapproximately 860 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen 1412using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, andso forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to workprimarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be lessprecise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of afinger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translatesthe rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position orcommand for performing the actions desired by the user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 1400 mayinclude a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particularfunctions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive areaof the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visualoutput. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separatefrom touch screen 1412 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surfaceformed by the touch screen.

Device 1400 also includes power system 1462 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 1462 may include a power management system, oneor more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), arecharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converteror inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode(LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 1400 may also include one or more optical sensors or cameras1464. FIG. 14 shows an optical sensor 1464 coupled to optical sensorcontroller 1458 in I/O subsystem 1406. Optical sensor 1464 may includecharge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor(CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor 1464 receives light from theenvironment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the lightto data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module 1443(also called a camera module), optical sensor 1464 may capture stillimages or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor 1464 is locatedon the back of device 1400, opposite touch screen display 1412 on thefront of the device, so that the touch screen display 1412 may be usedas a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In someembodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of thedevice so that the user's image may be obtained for videoconferencingwhile the user views the other video conference participants on thetouch screen display.

Device 1400 may also include one or more proximity sensors 1466. FIG. 14shows proximity sensor 1466 coupled to peripherals interface 1418.Alternately, proximity sensor 1466 may be coupled to input controller1460 in I/O subsystem 1406. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor1466 turns off and disables touch screen 1412 when the multifunctiondevice 1400 is placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the user is makinga phone call).

Device 1400 includes one or more orientation sensors 1468. In someembodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 include one ormore accelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and/or oneor more rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or moreorientation sensors 1468 include one or more gyroscopes. In someembodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 include one ormore magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientationsensors 1468 include one or more of global positioning system (GPS),Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and/or other globalnavigation system receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and/or other globalnavigation system receivers may be used for obtaining informationconcerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) ofdevice 1400. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors1468 include any combination of orientation/rotation sensors. FIG. 14shows the one or more orientation sensors 1468 coupled to peripheralsinterface 1418. Alternately, the one or more orientation sensors 1468may be coupled to an input controller 1460 in I/O subsystem 1406. Insome embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display1412 in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of datareceived from the one or more orientation sensors 1468.

In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 1402include operating system 1426, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 1428, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 1430,graphics module (or set of instructions) 1432, text input module (or setof instructions) 1434, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set ofinstructions) 1435, arbiter module 1458 and applications (or sets ofinstructions) 1436. Furthermore, in some embodiments memory 1402 storesdevice/global internal state 1457. Device/global internal state 1457includes one or more of: active application state, indicating whichapplications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicatingwhat applications, views or other information occupy various regions oftouch screen display 1412; sensor state, including information obtainedfrom the device's various sensors and input control devices 1416; andlocation information concerning the device's location and/or attitude.

Operating system 1426 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS,or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes varioussoftware components and/or drivers for controlling and managing generalsystem tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, powermanagement, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardwareand software components.

Communication module 1428 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 1424 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 1408 and/orexternal port 1424. External port 1424 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus(USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devicesor indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.).In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector.

Contact/motion module 1430 may detect contact with touch screen 1412 (inconjunction with display controller 1456) and other touch sensitivedevices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). In some embodiments,contact/motion module 1430 and display controller 1456 detect contact ona touchpad. Contact/motion module 1430 may detect a gesture input by auser. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have differentcontact patterns. Graphics module 1432 includes various known softwarecomponents for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 1412 orother display, including components for changing the intensity ofgraphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics”includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including withoutlimitation text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objectsincluding soft keys), digital images, videos, animations and the like.Text input module 1434, which may be a component of graphics module1432, provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications(e.g., contacts, e-mail, and any other application that needs textinput). GPS module 1435 determines the location of the device andprovides this information for use in various applications 1436 (e.g., toa camera application as picture/video metadata).

Applications 1436 may include one or more modules (e.g., a contactsmodule, an email client module, a camera module for still and/or videoimages, etc.) Examples of other applications 1436 that may be stored inmemory 1402 include other word processing applications, other imageediting applications, drawing applications, presentation applications,JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voicerecognition, and voice replication. Each of the modules and applicationscorrespond to a set of executable instructions for performing one ormore functions described above and the methods described in thisapplication (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and otherinformation processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e.,sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate softwareprograms, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of thesemodules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments.In some embodiments, memory 1402 may store a subset of the modules anddata structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 1402 may storeadditional modules and data structures not described above.

FIG. 15 depicts an example portable multifunction device 1400 that mayinclude a camera with a folded optics arrangement, in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, the portable multifunction device1400 may include one or multiple features, components, and/orfunctionality of embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS.1-13 and 16 .

The device 1400 may have a touch screen 1412. The touch screen 1412 maydisplay one or more graphics within user interface (UI) 1500. In thisembodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one ormore of the graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example,with one or more fingers 1502 (not drawn to scale in the figure) or oneor more styluses 1503 (not shown in FIG. 15 ).

Device 1400 may also include one or more physical buttons, such as“home” or menu button 1504. As described previously, menu button 1504may be used to navigate to any application 1436 in a set of applicationsthat may be executed on device 1400. Alternatively, in some embodiments,the menu button 1504 is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed ontouch screen 1412.

In one embodiment, device 1400 includes touch screen 1412, menu button1504, push button 1506 for powering the device on/off and locking thedevice, volume adjustment button(s) 1508, Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card slot 1510, head set jack 1512, and docking/charging externalport 1424. Push button 1506 may be used to turn the power on/off on thedevice by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressedstate for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressingthe button and releasing the button before the predefined time intervalhas elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process.In an alternative embodiment, device 1400 also may accept verbal inputfor activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone1413.

It should be noted that, although many of the examples herein are givenwith reference to optical sensor(s)/camera(s) 1464 (on the front of adevice), one or more rear-facing cameras or optical sensors that arepointed opposite from the display may be used instead of, or in additionto, an optical sensor(s)/camera(s) 1464 on the front of a device.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example computer system 1600 that may include acamera with a folded optics arrangement, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 1600 may includeone or multiple features, components, and/or functionality ofembodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-15 .

The computer system 1600 may be configured to execute any or all of theembodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system1600 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limitedto, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook,tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system,handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set topbox, a mobile device, a consumer device, video game console, handheldvideo game device, application server, storage device, a television, avideo recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem,router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device.

Various embodiments of a camera motion control system as describedherein, including embodiments of magnetic position sensing, as describedherein may be executed in one or more computer systems 1600, which mayinteract with various other devices. Note that any component, action, orfunctionality described above with respect to FIGS. 1-15 may beimplemented on one or more computers configured as computer system 1600of FIG. 16 , according to various embodiments. In the illustratedembodiment, computer system 1600 includes one or more processors 1610coupled to a system memory 1620 via an input/output (I/O) interface1630. Computer system 1600 further includes a network interface 1640coupled to I/O interface 1630, and one or more input/output devices1650, such as cursor control device 1660, keyboard 1670, and display(s)1680. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may beimplemented using a single instance of computer system 1600, while inother embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making upcomputer system 1600, may be configured to host different portions orinstances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elementsmay be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system 1600 thatare distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

In various embodiments, computer system 1600 may be a uniprocessorsystem including one processor 1610, or a multiprocessor systemincluding several processors 1610 (e.g., two, four, eight, or anothersuitable number). Processors 1610 may be any suitable processor capableof executing instructions. For example, in various embodimentsprocessors 1610 may be general-purpose or embedded processorsimplementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs),such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitableISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors 1610 may commonly,but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

System memory 1620 may be configured to store camera control programinstructions 1622 and/or camera control data accessible by processor1610. In various embodiments, system memory 1620 may be implementedusing any suitable memory technology, such as static random accessmemory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-typememory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment,program instructions 1622 may be configured to implement a lens controlapplication 1624 incorporating any of the functionality described above.Additionally, existing camera control data 1632 of memory 1620 mayinclude any of the information or data structures described above. Insome embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sentor stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or onsimilar media separate from system memory 1620 or computer system 1600.While computer system 1600 is described as implementing thefunctionality of functional blocks of previous Figures, any of thefunctionality described herein may be implemented via such a computersystem.

In one embodiment, I/O interface 1630 may be configured to coordinateI/O traffic between processor 1610, system memory 1620, and anyperipheral devices in the device, including network interface 1640 orother peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices 1650. In someembodiments, I/O interface 1630 may perform any necessary protocol,timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from onecomponent (e.g., system memory 1620) into a format suitable for use byanother component (e.g., processor 1610). In some embodiments, I/Ointerface 1630 may include support for devices attached through varioustypes of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB)standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/Ointerface 1630 may be split into two or more separate components, suchas a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in someembodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface 1630, suchas an interface to system memory 1620, may be incorporated directly intoprocessor 1610.

Network interface 1640 may be configured to allow data to be exchangedbetween computer system 1600 and other devices attached to a network1685 (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computersystem 1600. Network 1685 may in various embodiments include one or morenetworks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g.,an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., theInternet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network,or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface1640 may support communication via wired or wireless general datanetworks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example;via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networksor digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks suchas Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/orprotocol.

Input/output devices 1650 may, in some embodiments, include one or moredisplay terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices,voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable forentering or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1600.Multiple input/output devices 1650 may be present in computer system1600 or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system 1600. Insome embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate fromcomputer system 1600 and may interact with one or more nodes of computersystem 1600 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over networkinterface 1640.

As shown in FIG. 16 , memory 1620 may include program instructions 1622,which may be processor-executable to implement any element or actiondescribed above. In one embodiment, the program instructions mayimplement the methods described above. In other embodiments, differentelements and data may be included. Note that data may include any dataor information described above.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 1600 ismerely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may includeany combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicatedfunctions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances,PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system 1600 may also beconnected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead mayoperate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality providedby the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined infewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, insome embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustratedcomponents may not be provided and/or other additional functionality maybe available.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various itemsare illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while beingused, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memoryand other storage devices for purposes of memory management and dataintegrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of thesoftware components may execute in memory on another device andcommunicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computercommunication. Some or all of the system components or data structuresmay also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on acomputer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by anappropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. Insome embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible mediumseparate from computer system 1600 may be transmitted to computer system1600 via transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments mayfurther include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or dataimplemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon acomputer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessiblemedium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium ormemory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk orDVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g. SDRAM, DDR,RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessiblemedium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as network and/or a wireless link.

The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware,or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, theorder of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elementsmay be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Variousmodifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a personskilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The variousembodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and notlimiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvementsare possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided forcomponents described herein as a single instance. Boundaries betweenvarious components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally,structures and functionality presented as discrete components in theexample configurations may be implemented as a combined structure orcomponent. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in theclaims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera, comprising: an aperture configured toenable light to enter the camera in a first direction via the aperture;a prism configured to redirect the light such that the light is directedin a second direction; a lens carrier comprising one or more lens,wherein the lens carrier is oriented in the camera such that the lightdirected in the second direction passes through the one or more lens ofthe lens carrier, wherein the one or more lens of the lens carrierdefine an optical axis of the camera; an image sensor configured tocapture the light which has passed through the one or more lens andconvert the light into image signals; a carrier frame at least partiallysurrounding the lens carrier and at least partially surrounding theprism on at least two sides of the prism; a first set of suspensionelements configured to mechanically connect the lens carrier to thecarrier frame, wherein the suspension elements permit motion of the lenscarrier relative to the carrier frame along the optical axis andrestrict motion of the lens carrier relative to the carrier frame indirections orthogonal to the optical axis; a second set of suspensionelements configured to mechanically connect the carrier frame to astatic member of the camera, configured to be static relative to thecarrier frame, wherein the second set of suspension elements arearranged in an opposing arrangement in an optical axis direction thatrestricts motion of the carrier frame along the optical axis and permitsmotion of the carrier frame in directions orthogonal to the opticalaxis; and one or more VCM actuators configured to: move the lenscarrier, relative to the image sensor, along the optical axis in thecarrier frame; and move the carrier frame and lens carrier, relative tothe image sensor, in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the opticalaxis.
 2. The camera of claim 1, further comprising: an additional prism,configured to redirect the light that has passed through the one or morelens such that the light is directed into a third direction, wherein theimage sensor is positioned in the camera such that the light directedinto the third direction is directed toward the image sensor, whereinthe image sensor is coupled to the static member of the camera oranother static member of the camera.
 3. The camera of claim 1, wherein afirst rotational normal mode of free vibration of the carrier framecomprises rotation about the optical axis such that the one or more lensof the lens carrier rotate about the optical axis.
 4. The camera ofclaim 1, wherein the second set of suspension elements configured tomechanically connect the carrier frame to the static member of thecamera comprise: suspension wires mechanically connecting the carrierframe to the static member of the camera, wherein the camera furthercomprises: channels at least partially filled with a gel material,wherein the suspension wires pass through the gel material, and whereinthe gel material provides mechanical damping to an assembly comprisingthe carrier frame and the lens carrier.
 5. The camera of claim 4,wherein the static member of the camera comprises a static structurecomprising a plurality of static bases positioned between a first endand a second end of the static structure, wherein the carrier frame ismounted in the static structure, and wherein: a first group of thesuspension wires comprises wires running along a first side of thecarrier frame between a first end of the carrier frame and one of thestatic bases on a side of the static structure adjacent to the firstside of the carrier frame; a second group of the suspension wirescomprises wires running along a second side of the carrier frame betweenthe first end of the carrier frame and another one of the static baseson a side of the static structure adjacent to the second side of thecarrier frame; a third group of the suspension wires comprises wiresrunning along the first side of the carrier frame between a second endof the carrier frame and an additional one of the static bases on a sideof the static structure adjacent to the first side of the carrier frame;and a fourth group of the suspension wires comprises wires running alongthe second side of the carrier frame between the second end of thecarrier frame and another additional one of the static bases on a sideof the static structure adjacent to the second side of the carrierframe.
 6. The camera of claim 1, wherein the second set of suspensionelements are coupled to the static member of the camera.
 7. The cameraof claim 6, wherein the static member includes openings, wherein, duringassembly, tabs of a common assembly are bent around the carrier frame toposition at least a portion of the second set of suspension elementsinto place in the static member.
 8. A voice coil motor (VCM) actuatorassembly for a folded optics camera, the VCM actuator assemblycomprising: a plurality of magnets; a plurality of coils; a carrierframe configured to at least partially surround a lens carrier and atleast partially surrounding a prism on at least two sides of the prism,wherein an optical axis of one or more lens of the lens carrier isoriented perpendicular to a light direction of light entering the foldedoptics camera; a first set of suspension elements configured tomechanically connect the lens carrier to the carrier frame, wherein thesuspension elements permit motion of the lens carrier relative to thecarrier frame along the optical axis and restrict motion of the lenscarrier relative to the carrier frame in directions orthogonal to theoptical axis; a second set of suspension elements configured tomechanically connect the carrier frame to a static member of the foldedoptics camera, wherein the second set of suspension elements arearranged in an opposing arrangement in an optical axis direction thatrestricts motion of the carrier frame along the optical axis and permitsmotion of the carrier frame in directions orthogonal to the opticalaxis, wherein the VCM actuator assembly is configured to: move the lenscarrier in the carrier frame along the optical axis, relative to animage sensor of the folded optics camera; and move the carrier frame andlens carrier in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axisrelative to the image sensor.
 9. The VCM actuator assembly of claim 8,wherein a first rotational normal mode of free vibration of the VCMactuator assembly comprises rotation about the optical axis such thatthe rotational motion in the first rotational normal mode of freevibration is optically invisible from a perspective of the image sensor.10. The VCM actuator assembly of claim 8, wherein the second set ofsuspension elements configured to mechanically connect the carrier frameto a static member of the folded-optics camera comprises suspensionwires mechanically connecting the carrier frame to one or more staticmembers of the folded-optics camera.
 11. The VCM actuator assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the first set of suspension elements comprises atleast two wires running from a first corner of the carrier frame to astatic base of the one or more static members and at least twoadditional wires running from a second corner of the carrier frame toanother static base of the one or more static members, and wherein thesecond set of suspension elements comprises at least two wires runningfrom a third corner of the carrier frame to an additional static base ofthe one or more static members and at least two additional wires runningfrom a fourth corner of the carrier frame to another additional staticbase of the one or more static members.
 12. The VCM actuator assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the VCM actuator assembly further comprises: channelsat least partially filled with a viscous material, wherein thesuspension wires pass through the viscous material of the channels, andwherein the viscous material provides mechanical damping to the VCMactuator assembly.
 13. The VCM actuator assembly of claim 8, wherein themagnets are mounted to the carrier frame or the lens carrier and movewith the carrier frame or lens carrier.
 14. The VCM actuator assembly ofclaim 13, wherein one or more ferromagnetic pads are coupled to one ormore of the magnets, wherein the one or more ferromagnetic pads directrespective magnetic fields of the one or more magnets towards arespective one of the coils and away from an interior of the carrierframe.
 15. A mobile multifunction device, comprising: a camera modulecomprising: an aperture configured to enable light to enter the cameramodule in a first direction via the aperture; a prism configured toredirect the light such that the light is directed in a seconddirection; a lens carrier comprising one or more lens, wherein the lenscarrier is oriented in the camera module such that the light directed inthe second direction passes through the one or more lens, wherein theone or more lens of the lens carrier define an optical axis of thecamera module; an image sensor configured to capture light which haspassed through the one or more lens of the lens carrier and convert thelight into image signals; and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assemblycomprising: a plurality of magnets; a plurality of coils; a carrierframe at least partially surrounding the lens carrier and at leastpartially surrounding the prism on at least two sides of the prism; afirst set of suspension elements configured to mechanically connect thelens carrier to the carrier frame, wherein the suspension elementspermit motion of the lens carrier relative to the carrier frame alongthe optical axis and restrict motion of the lens carrier relative to thecarrier frame in directions orthogonal to the optical axis; a second setof suspension elements configured to mechanically connect the carrierframe to a static member of the camera module configured to be staticrelative to the carrier frame, wherein the second set of suspensionelements are arranged in an opposing arrangement in an optical axisdirection that restricts motion of the carrier frame along the opticalaxis and permits motion of the carrier frame in directions orthogonal tothe optical axis; a display; and one or more processors configured to:cause the VCM actuator assembly to move the lens carrier in the carrierframe, relative to the image sensor, along the optical axis; and causethe VCM actuator assembly to move the carrier frame and lens carrier,relative to the image sensor, in a plurality of directions orthogonal tothe optical axis.
 16. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein a firstrotational normal mode of free vibration of the VCM actuator assemblycomprises rotation about the optical axis such that the one or more lensof the lens carrier rotate about the optical axis such that therotational motion in the first rotational normal mode of free vibrationis optically invisible from a perspective of the image sensor.
 17. Themobile device of claim 15, wherein a casing of the mobile devicecomprises a turret extending out a distance from a surface of the mobiledevice, wherein the aperture is located within the turret and at least aportion of the VCM actuator assembly is positioned within the case undera shoulder of the turret.
 18. The mobile device of claim 17 wherein thesecond set of suspension elements comprise suspension wires orientedperpendicular to a direction in which the turret extends out thedistance from the surface of the mobile device.
 19. The mobile device ofclaim 17, wherein the first set of suspension elements comprises a firstgroup of suspension springs mounted on a side of the lens carrieropposite the turret and another group of suspension springs mounted on aside of the lens carrier closer to the turret, wherein the first groupof suspension springs comprises more suspension springs than the othergroup of suspension springs mounted closer to the turret.
 20. The mobiledevice of claim 19, wherein the respective stiffnesses of the firstgroup of suspension springs and the second group of suspension springsare different stiffnesses, wherein the stiffnesses of the respectivegroups of suspension springs are selected such that the first rotationalnormal mode of free vibration of the VCM actuator assembly comprisesrotation about the optical axis such that the one or more lens of thelens carrier rotate about the optical axis without being displacedrelative to the image sensor.